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n8n vs Zapier
n8n and Zapier are both Workflow Automation & Marketing Ops tools. Here is how they compare on pricing, free plans, AI integrations and platforms, and when each is the better fit.
Side by side
| Feature | n8n | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Workflow Automation & Marketing Ops | Workflow Automation & Marketing Ops |
| Pricing | $20/month (Starter plan - billed annually, 2.5k workflow executions with unlimited steps, 5 active workflows, hosted by n8n, 1 shared project, 5 concurrent executions) | — |
| Free option | Yes | Not listed |
| Best for | — | Enterprise teams, Marketing ops, Developers |
| Links | n8n listingVisit website (opens in a new tab) | Zapier listingVisit website (opens in a new tab) |
Which to choose
Choose n8n if
- want an open-source platform with a self-hosted deployment option for complete data control
- need to write JavaScript or Python code and add npm or Python libraries directly within workflows
- prefer paying per workflow execution with unlimited steps rather than paying per step
- want access to over 1,700 workflow templates and the ability to paste cURL requests
Choose Zapier if
- need a massive integration ecosystem that connects across more than 9,000 applications
- want to build fully agentic workflows where AI agents plan, adapt, and execute tasks
- require enterprise governance like SOC 2 Type II, SAML SSO, SCIM provisioning, and AI guardrails
- need bring your own model capabilities and automated AI model opt-out options on enterprise plans
Verdict
n8n suits technical teams, developers, and IT, Security, or DevOps departments that want to combine drag-and-drop building with custom JavaScript or Python code. It is ideal for organisations that value open-source transparency, self-hosting on their own infrastructure, and pricing based on whole workflow executions rather than individual steps. The main trade-off is a steeper technical learning curve, a smaller library of 500 integrations, and the need to manage infrastructure if you self-host.
Zapier fits marketing ops, developers, and teams from first-time founders to large enterprises that need wide app coverage and strict governance. It connects to over 9,000 applications and supports deterministic, hybrid, and fully agentic AI workflows. While it does not offer n8n's open-source self-hosting, Zapier provides extensive enterprise security controls, including SOC 2 and SOC 3 compliance, SAML SSO, SCIM user provisioning, and AI guardrails.
FAQ
- How do n8n and Zapier compare on pricing and free options?
n8n offers a free option, a 14-day free trial with no credit card required, and a hosted Starter plan at $20 per month billed annually for 2,500 workflow executions with unlimited steps. Zapier's pricing and free plan availability are not listed in the provided directory data.
- Which platform has more app integrations?
Zapier has a much larger ecosystem with over 9,000 connected applications, including Okta Workforce Identity. n8n includes over 500 integrations alongside 1,700+ templates, and lets technical users paste cURL requests or add npm and Python libraries to extend functionality.
- Can I self-host n8n or Zapier on my own servers?
n8n is open-source with its code on GitHub and offers both a hosted cloud version and self-hosted on-premise deployment for control over data and infrastructure. Self-hosting is not listed for Zapier, which instead offers cloud governance features like SOC 2 Type II compliance, GDPR and CCPA compliance, and SAML-based SSO.
- Which tool is better for technical teams vs marketing ops?
n8n is specifically designed for technical teams across IT Ops, Security Ops, DevOps, and Sales that want to write JavaScript or Python code inside visual workflows. Zapier is listed as best for marketing ops, enterprise teams, and developers looking to run deterministic or AI agent workflows across thousands of apps.